Well, you know what I'm going to say.
Yes, DC was what I expected and more.
Don't worry if you can't snorkle, it's easy and most of the time you stay on the surface of the water. You only need your mask for the dolphin swim.
Besides the Dolphin Swim, the Coral Reef and feeding the Stingrays was my favorite part. Feeding the birds was next.
Yes, it did feel lush and tropical like we we're not in Florida anymore.
Yes, we looked at everything.
Best piece of advice from me, get there early, I would say 8am. From what I've heard, even though the official opening time is 9am, I think they start earlier than that. Even though they only allow 1000 people in, if they all show up at 9am to check in, there will be a line. They move the people thru as fast as possible, but if a badge printer goes down, like it did for us, then everything gets stuck. After everyone checks in, they all end up at the mask/snorkle station where another line forms. Then you need the required vest, which are in boxes near the beach. If you get all these things and grab a beach chair (don't worry, there are plenty of these), then you can settle down and relax. Go to the left side of the beach, then you're closer to the coral reef and lazy river.
Same thing with lunch, everyone goes there at noon. We ended up going at 2pm because we had a 12:20 dolphin swim. Noone was there. If you're going to have an early lunch, then get in line before 11am, otherwise go at 2pm, the food is great.
Now, on the stingray part, you have to ask a trainer when the next feeding is and swim over to the far end of the coral reef lagoon. Do this half an hour before they show up and just sit on the beach. The rays will circle closer and closer to you. Then the trainer comes over, but only has about 30 fish, they go fast.
See what I've said about all three things, you have to be there early. The only complaints I've read from others, are the ones who got there late, and had to stand in line, then went to lunch at noon, and hit another line.
But now you know better, stay one step ahead of the crowd.
Oh yeah, it gets an A+ from me.
I don't think it's something you go back for (others have and said it wasn't the same), but if everything goes well on your first visit, then you'll remember it for a long time.